Queenie Cooks: Magic Crust Cheeseburger Pie

With the six weeks long Holidayfest and all its “Special Food Marathon” nearing its end, I thought this would be a great time to bring back one of my all-time favorite simple, everybody-loves-it recipes.Yep.Let’s talk about Magic Crust Cheeseburger Pie.The Magic Crust thing is pretty amazing.And the magic comes in because there’s no mixing, rolling or placing of a crust AT ALL.You just blend the filling together, load up your pie plate with fillings and toppings, and bake.And when you take it out of the oven – TA DA!It has a piecrust – like magic!BUT – that’s not even the best part.Because besides being unbelievably quick, easy, and inexpensive to make – with just a few readily accessible ingredients – it’s absolutely delicious.

I promise you this simple dish can go from “What on earth can I make today?” to “Wow this is delicious” in less time that it probably would take to get in the car and drive to the nearest fast food joint and back – and I guarantee it tastes better and is a lot better for you.And easy?Frankly, all you do is brown the hamburger, saute the onions, dump the mixture into your pie plate, sprinkle on some cheese, mix up everything else and pour it over the cheese, and bake. The Bisquick in the topping actually sinks to the bottom while it’s cooking and forms a sort of crust for your pie on its own!

Cut it in six or 8 slices, depending on the size of your pie plate – or appetite – or if you’re including a side salad.

This is definitely something you’ll want in your repertoire for days when you’re sick of the fancy stuff – or the same old thing – and just want something simple and basic but packed with flavor.And you can even feel a little bit virtuous because this Magic Crust CheeseburgerPie has all the taste of a great, homemade cheeseburger without that big, fat bun you usually expect with your cheeseburger!

As a bonus, if you’ve a mind to you can add a little flair – dress this up a bit – just like you would a “regular” cheeseburger.I added some fresh basil for extra flavor and tomato slices on top to make this one.You can skip either or both of those and maybe add mushrooms or olives to the filling to “fancy it up.”I’ll bet dill pickle slices baked inside – or on top – would be great. And who wouldn’t love a Bacon Cheeseburger, maybe with the bacon slices arranged as a lattice topping! The only adjustment you’d need to make would be to pre-cook your bacon.If you’re being calorie-conscious, you’ve already eliminated the bun; try using 2% cheese on top. I really think the only limit on having super-tasty fun with this is whatever’s in your pantry and your imagination!

When it’s golden brown, it’s ready!

These are also especially handy for informal gatherings – maybe to munch on while you watch the game, or when unexpected company drops by or think what a hit it would be for a pajama party!And best of all, you can bake it ahead, let it cool to room temperature, and then just quickly heat up slices in the microwave.How perfect is that for those busy days when everyone’s running in all different directions and coming in at different times for dinner?And if you don’t want to admit that it’s basically a cheeseburger in different form, call it something else!The All-American?And, like a good pizza, you can adjust the number and amounts of ingredients to make it as hearty or light as you like – from strictly vegetarian to a real meat-lover’s delight!

Added bonus?It’s almost guaranteed to get raves from even picky-eater” regardless of age. And if you think the “Magic” or the “Cheeseburger” part might not appeal to your gang, just forget about the name, and call it, “The GOOD stuff.”I’ll bet they will.Enjoy!

Brown beef in a little oil until browned and crumbly but not hard. Add onion and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent.

Drain thoroughly.Stir in basil, if using or optional other ingredients like mushrooms, olives, etc. and spread on pie plate.

Cover with cheese, and top with six slices of tomato if using same, arranged in a big circle so there will be one for each slice of pie when done.NOTE: May add crumbled cooked bacon or dill pickle slices here as well, if desired.

In small bowl, stir remaining ingredients with fork or wire whisk until well blended. Pour over ingredients already in pie plate.

Bake about 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Enjoy!

Look for Queenie Cooks weekly for recipes that are generally simple to prepare, require relatively few (and easy to find) ingredients, and usually budget friendly as well. We all have to eat. Let’s have some FUN with it!